Staff shortages forcing England’s prisons into emergency ‘red’ measures

One prison has reported using ‘absolute last resort’ regime for inmates on 15 occasions this year

Prisons in England have run emergency “red regimes” 22 times this year, after falling below minimum staffing levels, the Guardian has learned. One prison reported using the most restricted level of regime for inmates – traditionally “an absolute last resort” – on 15 occasions.

A “red regime”, described by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) as “not a sustainable position”, is reserved for periods when staff resources have fallen below the locally agreed minimum and only a basic regime can be achieved.